Abstract
This paper presents an overview the research approaches used to study metropolitan Baltimore (Maryland, USA) as an ecological system. The urban ecosystem is a complex biophysical, social, and built components, and is studied by an interdisciplinary team biological, social, and physical scientists, and urban designers. Ecology of the metropolis is addressed rather than restricting research to ecology green areas in the metropolis. The project applies standard ecological approaches such as the ecosystem, watersheds, and patch dynamics to the metropolitan area. In addition to research, the project conducts education at all levels and engages with communities and local policy makers and managers. Three broad questions guide the project, and focus on 1) the structure the system from biophysical, social, and built perspectives, 2) the fluxes energy, matter, population, and capital, and 3) the feedback between ecological information and environmental quality. We present examples results focusing on each question.
Highlights
This paper presents an overview of the research approaches used to study metropolitan Baltimore (Maryland, USA) as an ecological system
We provide linked examples that focus on landscape heterogeneity, riparian function, and “re-greening” management strategies
We focus on altered riparian function as an example of research on fluxes
Summary
Integrative approaches to investigating human-natural systems: the Baltimore ecosystem study. Grovec a Ecologist, Hixon Center for Urban Ecology, FES, Yale University, 205 Prospect Ave, New Haven CT 06511, USA b Ecologist, Institute of Ecosystem Studies, Box AB, Millbrook NY 12545, USA c Social Scientist, USDA Forest Service, Northeastern Research Station, George D. La ville de Baltimore est ici assimilée à un écosystème dans lequel interagissent des complexes biotiques et abiotiques. Cela suppose une reconnaissance explicite de la composante humaine de cet écosystème, y compris dans ses dimensions culturelles et institutionnelles. Les auteurs rendent compte d’une expérience interdisciplinaire en construction, en quête de méthodes, de concepts, de questions de recherche – et nous invitent à croiser nos pratiques de part et d’autre de l’Atlantique, comme le souligne le commentaire à cet article
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a call
